Detonators explode in quarry, kill 2

Anantapur, May 14 (INN): At least two persons were killed while two others sustained serious injuries when illegally stored detonators exploded at a quarry at Upparally village of Anantapur district on Saturday.

According to Itikalapalli Inspector G Gurunath Babu, the victim have been identified as Harijana Ramanjaneyulu (33), the watchman at the quarry and Vadde Mallela Ramanjaneyulu (27). Harijana Ramanjaneyulu died on the spot due to the explosion while Mallela breathed his last on the way to Kurnool Government Hospital.

Mr Babu further revealed that Chandrashekara Stone Crushers, owned by one L Ramesh Naidu had procured the detonators illegally to blast rocks in the quarry.

The detonators were stored in a room and exploded during the wee hours of Saturday. Police suspect that the detonators were being shifted when they exploded.

Presently, the injured are undergoing treatment in Kurnool Government Hospital and are said to be in a critical condition. Police registered a case under Explosive Substances Act.